Intergenerational Program Institute
Connecting Generations. Building Community. Transforming Practice.
A four-phase professional learning experience designed to inspire, equip, and connect people creating meaningful intergenerational programs.
Meaningful connections across generations don't happen by accident. They are built through intentional design, thoughtful facilitation, and a commitment to creating experiences where people of all ages can contribute, learn, and thrive together.
SilverKite Community Arts' Intergenerational Program Institute provides a comprehensive professional development pathway for educators, librarians, artists, aging services professionals, community leaders, and others interested in developing meaningful and sustainable intergenerational programs.
Grounded in research and informed by practical experience, the Institute explores the principles of effective intergenerational engagement, including reciprocity, belonging, age inclusivity, shared learning, and relationship-building.
Whether you're just beginning to explore intergenerational program or looking to deepen an established practice, the Institute offers opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Four Phases. One Learning Journey.
Phase 1 - Explore
Introduction to Intergenerational Programming
Free | Online | One-hour sessions offered every other month
Curious about intergenerational programming? Start here!
These free introductory sessions offer an accessible entry point for professionals interested in bringing generations together.
Participants will explore the benefits and foundational principles of intergenerational engagement, discover examples of successful programs, and consider how intergenerational approaches might enrich their own organizations and communities.
Ideal for: Anyone curious about intergenerational programming, regardless of prior experience.
Phase 2 - Learn & Design
Foundations of Intergenerational Programming
$395 - $549 | 12 hours of in-depth professional development
Our signature Foundations curriculum provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles, practices, and possibilities of intergenerational programming.
Through interactive learning, creative exercises, discussion, and program design activities, participants will develop practical skills to create and facilitate meaningful intergenerational experiences.
Topics include:
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Research and foundational principles of intergenerational engagement
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Reciprocity and mutually beneficial relationships
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Ageism, stereotypes, and age-inclusive practices
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Creative approaches to intergenerational engagement
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Program planning, design, and facilitation
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Building partnerships and sustainable programs
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Evaluating outcomes and measuring impact
Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies they can apply to their own work.
Offered annually:
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Q2 (April - June): Online
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Q3 (July - September): In person
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Q4 (October - December): Online
Ideal for: Professionals ready to develop, implement, or strengthen intergenerational programming in their organizations.
Phase 3 - Connect & Grow
Intergenerational Community of Practice
Online | Ongoing cohort experience | Launching in 2028
Learning doesn't end when a workshop concludes.
Designed for graduates of the Foundations curriculum, our online Community of Practice brings professionals together regularly to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, share successes, and continue developing their intergenerational practice.
Through facilitated conversations, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will strengthen their skills while building a supportive network of colleagues committed to meaningful intergenerational engagement.
The Community of Practice provides an opportunity to turn new knowledge into sustained action.
Ideal for: Foundations graduates seeking continued professional growth, collaboration, and connection.
Phase 4 - Specialize
Advanced Sector-Specific Training
Specialized professional development for different fields | Launching in 2028
Intergenerational programming looks different in a library, classroom, senior living community, or arts organization.
Our advanced training opportunities explore how the principles of intergenerational engagement can be applied within particular professional settings.
Designed for practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise, these specialized offerings address sector-specific opportunities, challenges, and strategies.
Areas of focus may include:
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Libraries and community learning
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K–12 education and schools
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Senior living and aging services
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Arts, culture, and creative engagement
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Community organizations and social services
Participants will explore approaches relevant to their professional environments and develop strategies for strengthening intergenerational engagement in their organizations.
Ideal for: Professionals ready to expand their expertise and apply intergenerational practices in specialized settings.
Who Is the Institute For?
The Intergenerational Programming Institute welcomes professionals and organizations working across education, arts and culture, libraries, aging services, recreation, community development, and related fields.
Whether you're an experienced practitioner or someone just discovering the possibilities of intergenerational engagement, there is a place for you in the Institute.
Why SilverKite?
SilverKite Community Arts brings expertise in creative aging, intergenerational engagement, and arts-based learning to professional development that is practical, participatory, and grounded in meaningful human connection.
Our approach emphasizes not simply bringing generations into the same space, but creating experiences built on reciprocity, shared purpose, mutual respect, and belonging.
Build Your Practice. Strengthen Your Community.
From your first introduction to ongoing professional collaboration and advanced training, the Intergenerational Programming Institute offers a pathway to deeper understanding, stronger programs, and more connected communities.
Explore upcoming sessions and discover your next step.
Foundations of Intergenerational Programming
Develop the skills to design and lead intergenerational programs that foster reciprocal relationships and stronger community connections. Through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and guided planning, explore how to build partnerships, recruit participants, adapt activities for different abilities and interests, and create opportunities for every generation to share its strengths.
Whether you’re launching your first program or strengthening an existing one, you’ll leave with a program plan, adaptable strategies, and greater confidence to bring generations together, support social connection, and build belonging in your community.
All Foundations sessions will be recorded and available for registrants to view during the program period.
Foundations participants will receive copies of the slides used in the program as well as a workbook and IG planning documents.
Register for the Foundation Programs
Participants will select either Q2 (April - June), Q3 option 1 (July - September), Q3 option 2 (July - September), or Q4 (October - December) as their foundation path, with their sessions totaling 12 hours.
Q2, online:
$395 for registration before March 1, $495 for registration after March 1. CEUs will be available.
Apr 12 - May 17, Mondays
2:00 - 4:00pm PT
Q3, in person:
$500 early registration before June 14, $549 for registration after June 14. Arts supplies and snacks included in addition to the workbook and planning docs.
Jul 14 - Aug 18, Wednesdays
3:30 - 5:30pm PT
Aug 21 - Aug 28, Saturdays
9:00am - 4:00pm PT (hour break for lunch, lunch not included)
Q4, online:
$395 for registration before March 1, $495 for registration after March 1. CEUs will be available.
Oct 12 - Nov 16, Tuesdays and Fridays
10:00am - 12:00pm PT
